Monday, February 11, 2008

finishing your quilt top, part 1

As you may know, this is the quilt that I am basing the quilt-a-long on. Should you want to use this layout, I will try my best to explain it here. The finished quilt will be about a twin size.

There are some great ideas on how to put together the blocks here and here. And if there are more, feel free to send me the links. I'd love to see them.

First, I layed out the blocks in an arrangement that I liked. I usually take a photo at this point and view the quilt on the screen of my digital camera. It really helps me find color clumping or unevenness.

Then, I measured my remaining background fabric. I had a piece about 2 2/3 yards long. I cut 4 pieces 6.5" by the length of the fabric and set them aside for the final borders. It's much easier to do the borders this way than to have to piece them later.

Next, I cut out 17 rectangles 4.5" x 12.5" from the background fabric. This is your sashing.
Cut at least 24 squares 2.5" from various fabrics that you used in your quilt squares. I cut extra squares, but will use them for the borders later.

Sew 4 2.5" squares together. Make 6. These are called 4 patches.

Use the 4 patches and the sashing to separate the 12" blocks as shown.
Working in rows, sew together.

Next week we will work on the borders.

I look forward to seeing all the nearly completed quilts.
Happy Monday!

31 comments:

Anina said...

Your colors work so well together! Thanks for the photo idea. I can't wait to see the completed quilts either. Such fun!

Mama Urchin said...

Yours is looking so nice. I love the cheeriness of the prints.

jacquie said...

I so appreciate all these ideas and instructions. I've had all 12 blocks sitting on my dining room table for a few days...not knowing quite what to do next. I think I can get started now.

Anonymous said...

Wow, the quilt top looks wonderful. I wasn't able to join in this time, but hopefully if you host another quilt along I will be able to join.

Unknown said...

wow the 4 patches really tie everything together! I love this thank you so much for doing this!!!

Anonymous said...

It looks great! Will you do this again one day??

Amanda Jean said...

kristin, I do hope to do another quilt-a-long soon. I am planning one with all star blocks.

dutchcomfort said...

That looks so wonderful, the quilt is coming together so beautifully! I’m glad I joined the party!
I was pondering on the colours for block 12. Now I know what to do. With all the white and the 4 patches all colours will connect! Thanks again!!
(I need some sleep now, I was so curious I stayed up...!)

Clair said...

Cool. I think it looks great.

Anonymous said...

This looks great. I wish mine would look this good. I'm already thinking about different fabrics and how mine will look better next time. This would be a great baby quilt! Thanks for walking us through this has been GREAT FUN!!
I love your quilt top!

Linda said...

Looking awesome! I love the colors, it's very cheerful and springy! I really need to get caught up on mine...maybe this weekend...

Philigry said...

OMG! i love this one too! i wish we were neighbors too! can you imagine six kids running around, while we sew up a storm!

Amy Jo said...

Looks great!! I've got to work on my sashing - I hope to have it done this week!

Jules said...

WOW. I love your quilt. I really like your fabrics. I have no idea what to do with mine..hmmmmm Have to get the thinking cap on.

Jules

Debbie said...

I love the idea of long strips for borders. I always have to piece mine. I have cut everything and will sew tomorrow. I just love "quilting a along." I makes me do it so I won't fall behind.

Annie B said...

this is looking really lovely, I look how those blocks of four bring it all together

Louise said...

It looks fantastic with the sashing and I love the idea of a star quilt - I'd have to do that one!

Debi said...

Great quilt, I finished my top, come take a look! My DH absolutely loves it. Now to find time to quilt it~~~

Chara Michele said...

It looks absolutely lovely amandajean! :)

Lisa said...

I love reading your blog! Your piecing is so lovely!

Anonymous said...

this is so cute! I wished I'd joined from the beginning...

will you do another one?

Roxanne said...

Wow, the sashing really adds to it! I love it! You have done such an awesome job of guiding us through this - THANK YOU!!

crunchy peas said...

okay, I am officially inspired to catch up to all of you (I haven't made it past week 4). This looks amazing. It is a real quilt! I know I can do it!

QuiltNut Creations said...

it is soooo pretty!

Anonymous said...

Pretty blocks. Thanks for hosting the quilt-a-long and posting the great directions.
Sadly, I was too late to join the quilt-a-long this time though I do have block #1 cut and ready to sew. I hope you have another stash busting quilt-a-long soon.

Rachel said...

I love the idea of a different square each month! I will definitly(sp?) try to join the next one.

Anonymous said...

this is looking really nice!

Val said...

Please don't take this quilt along away because I am just on my second block! Slow starter! Thanks

Lina said...

Hi Amanda Jean, I just have to say how much I'm enjoying this (and can't wait for the next one!). I'm cheating a bit - I've picked my 6 favourite blocks to make a crib sized quilt for a newborn. Can't wait to finish!

Anonymous said...

I'm finished with the middle!

I still have the pioneer braid border (I'm doing my own thing). Thanks SOOOO much for this. I'm so excited that I finished a sampler quilt.

Little Blue Violet said...

Just found you thru Mystele,
I am so impressed with your talents ! Not just your sewing, piecing skills but your eye for colors nd design. I want them all. Great Art! I hope to mke some rugs to use as doggie mats using your tutorial. Thnk you ,so much, for sharing the beuty and wisdom.
Darly